SEMI Tip Q-Cells Standard

At Intersolar SEMI recommended establishing Tra.QTM, a Q-Cells technology for coding of individual solar cells, as an industry-wide standard. The laser signature technology developed by Q-Cells opens possibilities to track and optimise products. In addition, it provides protection against forgery. Trade association SEMI plans to establish Tra.QTM as an international standard, making the technology available for the entire PV industry.

Individual laser coding of each and every solar cell provides for targeted quality control. The code, which is not visible to the human eye, relates key data to the individual cell, including delivery date of the raw material, supplier code and codes of materials used across the production process. Digital signatures enable full traceability across major parts of the photovoltaics value chain, from silicon wafers to solar modules and systems. Providing information on every step of the manufacturing process, the technology increases transparency with regards to processes and materials. Laser signature supports continuous process optimisation, leveraging cost benefits and advancing technological innovations in the solar industry. This provides a unique wealth of detailed information on the production phases. Knowing which materials were used in manufacturing facilitates appropriate recycling of end-of-life products. Since the origin of any solar cell can be determined transparently, the risk of counterfeit is eliminated.

Q-Cells baptised its patented laser signature technology Tra.Q(TM) - Traceable Quality. It is an integral part of the new Q-Cells' seal of quality and one of the features ensuring yields of crystalline solar modules. The 'Q-Cells YIELD SECURITY' seal of quality combines three quality features: solar cells and modules from Q-Cells are PID-free, protected against hot spots and, as of now, can be traced due to Tra.Q(TM). Q-Cells developed an innovative Anti PID technology, protecting solar cells and modules against potential induced degradation, which could reduce output by up to 20%. Already during production, Q-Cells inspects products for material defects that could cause overheating - so-called hot spots. The procedure of identifying low-quality cells and removing them from the process has been tested and proved itself for years. 'Q-Cells YIELD SECURITY' gives customers a quality promise that is unequalled in the domestic and international markets.

SEMI is an international industry association for the micro and nanoelectronics industries. It contributes to advancing innovations and technologies and strives to make them accessible to all industry players. Through the standard, Q-Cells supplies third parties with its technical knowhow on Tra.QTM technology.  Q-Cells offers the licence for purchase on reasonable terms and uses proceeds to refinance the development costs incurred. A number of laser and reader manufacturers have cooperated on this development and offer a comprehensive selection of sophisticated writing and reading devices.